The Jug Band Jubilee's Signature Sound

The 8th Annual National Jug Band Jubilee happening at the Brown-Forman Amphitheater in Waterfront Park on Saturday, September 15th, Noon-11p.m.

The FREE all-day festival celebrates a pre-jazz style made popular in the early 1900s by Louisville musicians like Clifford Hayes, Earl McDonald and Sarah Martin.

In the late 19th century, African American musicians walked the streets of the River City playing tunes on improvised instruments like empty liquor jugs ("the poor man's tuba"), kazoos and washboards.

By the time the sound reached its peak in the 1930s, it had infiltrated towns up and down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, especially Memphis and New Orleans. Jug music also inspired the skiffle craze in England, which gave rise to bands like the Beatles and the Lovin' Spoonful.

Food and beverages will be available to purchase and there will be workshops for adults and children.

The National Jug Band Jubilee draws musicians from all over the country. Click here for a line-up of bands.